Ep 85. The Dukes of September

The Great Performances season 38 episode 85 features The Dukes of September, a supergroup that is made up of Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, the Doobie Brothers' Michael McDonald, and Boz Scaggs. The episode explores their incredible journey and showcases some of their biggest hits from the '70s and '80s. The Dukes of September have been together for over a decade, and their powerful harmonies and unique sound have won them a legion of fans all over the world.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the group and their individual journeys that led them to come together. The Dukes of September formed in 2010, after the trio had been touring together for several years. The episode then moves on to the first performance, which takes place at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The Dukes of September perform "What a Fool Believes," a classic hit by The Doobie Brothers, and the audience is immediately on their feet, singing and swaying along to the music.

Throughout the episode, The Dukes of September perform some of their biggest hits, including "Takin' It to the Streets," "Lowdown," "Kid Charlemagne," and "Pretzel Logic." The performances are energetic, and the group's chemistry is palpable on stage. The singers take turns performing the lead vocals and harmonize beautifully throughout the songs. Each member of The Dukes has a unique style, and their voices complement each other perfectly.

The show also includes brief interviews with the members of The Dukes of September, where they share their thoughts and experiences about being in the band, working with each other, and the meaning behind some of their hit songs. Donald Fagan talks about how he came up with the idea for the band, and Michael McDonald shares some of the challenges he faced in joining the group. Boz Scaggs talks about his journey as a musician and how he gets inspiration for his music.

One of the highlights of the episode is their performance of "Reelin' in the Years," one of Steely Dan's biggest hits. The song features a powerful guitar solo by Jon Herington, and the crowd goes wild as the band plays on. The Dukes of September also perform a medley of hits by other musicians, including Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell" and Little Anthony and the Imperials' "Tears on My Pillow."

The episode comes to an end with an encore performance of "What a Fool Believes," and the audience is still buzzing with excitement as they leave the Lincoln Center. The Dukes of September have proven why they are one of the most sought-after supergroups, and their music continues to resonate with fans across the world.

In summary, Great Performances season 38 episode 85, The Dukes of September, is a must-watch for fans of classic rock and soul music. The episode showcases the incredible chemistry and talent of the members of the group and is a testament to their longevity and relevance in the music industry. The performances are entertaining and energetic, and the interviews provide insight into the minds of these legendary musicians. If you're looking for an hour of great music and entertainment, don't miss this episode of Great Performances.